Balmoral Kirk
A Gathering Place
Business Plan
“Every church is three things: a legacy from the past, a fellowship for the present and a vision for the future.”
Executive Summary
Balmoral Kirk, formerly St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, was for 130 years the centre of community life in The Falls. It is located on Highway 311, ten minutes south of Tatamagouche and 35 min. from Truro, at the junction of highway 256 which links to the Wentworth Valley.
Balmoral Kirk will be renovated and upgraded in 2009, and open in 2010 as a multi-purpose rental facility. It will be available to rent on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The space can accommodate up to 200, with a smaller reception area upstairs with kitchenette facilities and internet connection. The space will be used for weddings, funerals, non-denominational ceremonies, receptions, and other functions. Local contractors, merchants and suppliers will be used.
The business plan is laid out in two phases. Phase One is the renovation and up grading to take place in the summer of 2009. Every attempt will be made to maintain the building’s integrity both inside and out. Phase Two begins the first year of operations, with a Grand Opening in May 2010.
Vision and Goals
Balmoral Kirk will become, once again, the focal point of The Falls with the addition of an art gallery, internet café and visitor information centre, the community will again have a place to gather, as they have done in the past. Visitors will have a stopping place on their way to and from Truro and the North Shore, and a referral service on local businesses will be readily available. We also feel this large historic building with its 20ft. windows, floods of natural light and terrific acoustics is a space which inspires the creative arts .Our vision is to restore, rent and preserve this piece of N.S Scottish heritage (see appendix 1-Historic Details) and to make it another link in the chain of the co-operative business climate that is working to draw visitors to the area (see appendix 2)
Company Description
Balmoral Kirk, a sole proprietorship registered in 2009. It is administered by a Team of Directors consisting of Beth Johnston, President, Dee Appleby, Vice-President, and a Secretary and Treasurer/Financial Advisor(as yet these two positions are available) .This team will draw upon additional volunteer directors as required. Ex. Business development, Community Liaison, Construction
Products and Services
The KIRK is a large, flexible RENTAL FACILITY, a beautiful Historic Building in a strategic location. Possibilities for rental include but are not limited to:
Weddings and receptions
Funerals
Concerts
Theatre/rehearsal space
Day camps
Artist studio/gallery
Sound studio
Movie set
Farmers’ market /.Vendors village
Dance /yoga/gym space
Fundraisers
Art gallery/craft market
Festivals/picnics/family reunions
Gathering place for clubs, meetings
Conference and workshop venue
Rallies
The main floor consists of an entry vestibule, where a map of Central Nova Scotia will be painted along the back wall, indicating local points of interest, businesses and things to do in the area in a photo gallery format. Tourist information brochures will be available and the staff person will provide information to tourists on local sites and services. To the left will be two public washrooms, to the right the stairs lead to an internet café where visitors are welcome to use the wireless internet service. Coffee, tea, oatcakes, ice cream, and other local, seasonal foods will be available. Seating capacity is 20 people. Historic information showcasing Scottish settlers from area, the church and bell (which will remain onsite) will be displayed in this area.
The main hall will have a stage and flexible seating for 200 using the original 40 pews. Windows will have curtains to allow for black-outs. An upright piano will be installed to accompany performers. Moveable walls will serve as the art gallery, which can be hidden from view when required.
Rental Rates
Rental rates will be structured as follows:
Community
Private
Corporate
Competitive Analysis
The objective of the Balmoral Kirk is not to compete but partner with local business to attract visitors and provide a referral service to what is available in the area. There are few places one can rent facilities of this size in the area – the Legion, fire hall, and church hall, none with the historical and creative ambience of this historic building. See Appendix 2 for details.
Marketing/Sales Plan
Initially, interest generated by the renovation process will provide the basis of a publicity campaign for this project. Promotional activities such as vacation photo contest, painting parties and development of the historical displays will generate interest and funds for continued renovations.
The Kirk will be advertised through its own website, and linked to any websites, of associations or businesses to attract visitors to the North Shore. Brochures of the Kirk will be distributed to all VICs, and tourist areas in the province. It will be advertised as well by word of mouth and media in the Truro and North Shore area as a rental facility for events such as weddings and other functions. Businesses in the area will be encouraged to tell visitors about the Kirk and its historical significance. Because of its connection to Sutherlandshire in Scotland, visitors from that area will be invited to visit Nova Scotia and tour the area where their ancestors immigrated following the Highland Clearances. Tours will be offered, with historical interpretation of how the settlers came to The Falls, who they were, and how they lived.
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